The Book Thief by Markus Zusack, tells the fictional story of a young German girl named Leisel Meminger set in Nazi Germany. We've read accounts from this particular time, both fictional and non, from every point of view. Using Death as a narrator, The Book Thief goes off the beaten path to tell the story from an original and compelling perspective.
Zusack's unique storytelling technique doesn't end with his unorthodox choice of narrator. The entire plot of The Book Thief is centered on a trove of diverse threads, all coming together to tell the story of how everyday, blue collar families in Germany dealt with what was happening in their country and how Leisel and her foster parents unexpectedly came to harbor the most dangerous type of contraband you could possibly possess in 1942; a Jew.
The novel explores relationships, the written word, and what makes a family. Themes of bravery and courage are interspersed with quiet moments of compassion. Characters are colorful, to say the least. It's hard to read a novel about Nazi Germany without being emotionally consumed by the usual accompanying somber and sober mood. The Book Thief finds a rare balance of respect for the topic at hand and the understanding that we often don't recognize the full impact of daily decisions until they are well behind us.
The Book Thief stands apart from the pack and,for once, is a book that deserves every award. The vast majority of the human population isn't Jewish or even German, but The Book Thief tells a story that could happen in any country (and often does) to any population.
For young readers, I equate this novel to The Giver, by Lois Lowry, although the former is much more subtle. If you are a seasonal reader, this would make a great fall book club pick, best consumed curled up on the couch with a nice cup of tea.
